Somaliland: Councils Should Use Powers Of Extra-Ordinary Sessions Aptly

HARGEISA (Somalilandsun) – Laws and regulations are usually put in place to advance civility as concerns the best humane conduct on social, economical and political aspects of life.When it comes to our civic administrations, as best as our memories may serve us right, we cannot recall times, periods or moments whereby they invoked their extra-ordinary powers to address aptly an issue that demands its invocation for the socio-economical as socio-political advancement of and/or for developmental issues.The only thing we find the councilors do, whatever their roles or wherever their regions, is to call for extra-ordinary meetings chiefly for the purpose of dislodging a major or a deputy from his/her post.Most after than not, when such a change of guards is forced through such civic powers, it is after one that serves a clique of politicians hence not one that is for the good of the advancements of the objectives of the local resident population.A simple petty argument or bad blood between two politicians mostly with its roots emanating from selfish personal interest may start the whole commotion.A law to put in check such mal practices is enshrined in the executive powers in which the interior ministry may interject and overrule the civic administration or out rightly refuse to endorse it or better still, deny them such opportunities altogether for public interests.Although pundits may argue that this power can be open for abuse, it has seldom been negatively used in our past experience and had always right impact.When such disasters occur, for instance the recent Boqoljire floods which opened up cemeteries in the graveyards, it is natural that a civil council made an emergency meeting and thrash out ways and means of addressing the calamity.In essence, they are to meet simply, and mainly for that matter, which is to decide which budget fund may be deviated to foot the bills.Such actions need legal backing hence such extra-ordinary sessions, regardless of the timing but with regards with/to the situation, are the regulations needed to be adhered to.Sadly, our local councilors do not use such powers to and for the good use of public crisis management.Rather, the term extra-ordinary session “or meeting” is synonymous to the removal of an incumbent official.As we hail the minister for re-allowing the meetings hence lifting the ban, we in the same manner also call upon the civic leaders to be diligent, true to their duties and subjects for the wellbeing of the people.Somaliland needs progress and it is incumbent upon all of us to work together towards the achievements of our objectives.We hope to see extra-ordinary sessions used to address the immediate plight of the residents.The last thing the invocation of such powers should be is to revamp selfish interests and egotist aims.People are now more educated.